Ashton-under-Lyne, sculpture

Another bit of weird sculpture around Ashton. This one shows the layout of old Ashton town. I like these random bits of art around the centre.

Ashton-under-Lyne, The Bedroom

I have mentioned now and again the number of pubs that have closed in Ashton. So here is a sad shot of one of the more famous pubs to close in recent years. The Bedroom, used to be The Pitt & Nelson. I have seen workmen in there recently, and a small poster saying there will be a ‘change of appearance’ to the building. So I don’t know what is in store for this building, but this is what we see today.

Saddleworth, Uppermill

Over the years Saddleworth Civic Hall has undergone extensive changes, as can be seen by what I suspect, Prince Charles would call, a carbuncle on the front.

The building which was once the Mechanics Institute was built in 1859 by Saddleworth architect George Shaw.

Saddleworth, Uppermill

Court Street, leading up to the Civic Hall on Lee Street.

Tame Valley Vintage Cars

http://www.tvvccc.co.uk/

A few more vintage cars from yesterdays display in Ashton market.

Tame Valley Vintage Cars

Tameside Vintage Cars, turned up in Ashton market, showing off their wonderful old machines.

Ashton train station

Passage up to the platforms at Ashton train station.

Ashton-under-Lyne, Stamford Arcade.

Stamford Arcade.

Might have been special once, isn’t now.

Ashton-under-Lyne, St. Michaels Square

St. Michaels Square, in the rain.

Ashton-under-Lyne, Angel Hotel

Angel Hotel on Old Street, still advertising the long defunct Shaw’s Ales along the side.

Uppermill, Huddersfield Narrow Canal

Looking down the Huddersfield Narrow Canal where it goes under the Saddleworth railway viaduct.

This carries the Trans Pennine railway over the canal.

Uppermill, Buckley Mill

Buckley mill, is still sat along side the River Tame as it has been since 1840. No longer in use as a woollen mill, it has now been developed into smart new apartments.

Saddleworth, Uppermill

The Commercial, sat in the central square of Uppermill.

Uppermill, Methodist Church

Uppermill Methodist Church.

Saddleworth, Uppermill

Uppermill Methodist Church along side The Commercial.

Ashton-under-Lyne, Market Hall

Oh look, are we to get supa dupa spotlights on the market hall?

(caught outside without my camera, so snapped with my Motorola U9)

Marching Brass Band

Brass Band contest

The band marches on as one onlooker wonders what all the fuss it about.

Brass Band contest

One unhappy looking policeman trudges along in the rain with the marching bands.

Greenfield, Whit Friday

Marching Brass Band

Brass Band marches down Chew Valley Road, Greenfield, on Whit Friday.

Saddleworth, Greenfield

More pics from the rainy Friday.

Saddleworth, Greenfield

Saddleworth brass band contest, in the rain.

Brass bands compete all over Saddleworth. They are judged blind as the judges are sat in tents and cannot see the band playing and so don’t know which band they are listening to.
The prize fund is over £36,000 so brass bands from far and wide are drawn to Saddleworth to compete. They each have their own coach and this always brings Saddleworth to a standstill. Many roads are simply closed to normal traffic.
Many years ago, before pubs could open all day, the pubs in Saddleworth were allowed on this one day to stay open from 11.00 to late at night. This was an enormous novelty and was taken advantage of by many of the locals. Of course all pubs can do this now, so the novelty has gone, but the crowds turn up and the bands play on.

Uppermill, Chutney's Delicatessen

http://www.chutneysdeli.com/
Impressive old building, sand blasted on the side facing the High Street.

When I was a kid, reluctantly dragging myself and satchel up to Uppermill Secondary Modern (now Saddleworth School) I remember this as a downbeat newspaper shop, but now it’s a specialist food shop called Chutney's Delicatessen.
I guess this reflects the improved affluence of Uppermill.

Uppermill, Hare and Hounds

Hare and Hounds, along side the Co-op.

Going back some years, the Hare and Hounds was considered the ‘place to be’ in Saddleworth. I had many good times in there. I only visit once a blue moon now, and on this journey, I just cycled on past.

Saddleworth, Uppermill

Uppermill is the largest village in Saddleworth.

This is the view down the High Street which leads into the village centre.

Littleborough, The Wheatsheaf

Looking down Railway Street towards The Wheatsheaf.
Good pub to meet in as most people around here will know where it is because of it’s unusual round shape and sticky carpets.
Also seen here.

Littleborough, sky

View from the Co-op car park.